Celebrating 70 Years of Magic: Disneyland’s Platinum Anniversary
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is set to-front a grand celebration of its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades since its gates first opened on July 17, 1955. This milestone is being commemorated with a year-long celebration starting on May 16, 2025, and continuing through the summer of 2026. The theme, "Celebrate Happy," promises to bring joy and excitement to visitors of all ages through new experiences, shows, and decorations. Key highlights include a Mickey and Friends cavalcade featuring Duffy and ShellieMay, a new projection show called "Tapestry of Happiness" at It’s a Small World, and a World of Color show hosted by Joy from Inside Out. Additionally, the esplanade will feature a 50-foot sculpture of Sleeping Beauty Castle, with decorations extending to Downtown Disney and Main Street USA. The anniversary will also debut new attire for Mickey and friends, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Avengers Campus Expansion: Marvel’s New Frontier
Disney’s California Adventure is expanding its Avengers Campus with two new attractions: Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab. These additions aim to double the size of the park’s Marvel-themed area, offering immersive experiences. Infinity Defense invites guests to travel through the multiverse, battling Thanos in iconic locations like Asgard and Wakanda. Stark Flight Lab allows visitors to fly alongside Iron Man in a dynamic two-person pod. Construction for these rides begins in 2025, promising exciting adventures for Marvel enthusiasts. These new attractions underscore Marvel’s growing presence in Disney’s parks, ensuring fans have more reasons to visit.
Pixar’s Coco and Cars: New Attractions and Areas
Disney’s California Adventure is also introducing a Coco-themed ride, transporting visitors to the vibrant Land of the Dead alongside Miguel. This dark ride will feature iconic characters and music, blending technology and storytelling for a captivating experience. Construction starts in 2026, with exact details yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is transforming the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island into a Cars-themed area. This expansion will introduce a rally race ride and additional attractions, bringing Radiator Springs to life in the east. The area will feature rugged terrains, geysers, and mountain trails, offering a dynamic new experience. Work begins in 2025, signaling the enduring popularity of the Cars franchise.
Bluey and Monsters Inc.: Bringing Beloved Characters to Life
Beloved Australian series Bluey is coming to Disneyland and Disney World with meet-and-greets featuring Bluey and her family. This addition coincides with the 2027 release of the Bluey movie, further integrating the character into Disney’s parks and cruises. In another exciting development, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is reimagining its Muppets area into a Monsters Inc.-themed land. Visitors will explore Monstropolis and embark on a suspended roller coaster ride through the laugh factory, an innovation for Disney parks. This transformative project begins in 2025, with MuppetVision 3D closing on June 8, 2025. These additions highlight Disney’s commitment to engaging younger audiences with fresh and relevant content.
Villains Land and Tropical Americas: New Themed Areas
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will welcome a new Villains Land, celebrating iconic Disney antagonists. Positioned near Big Thunder Mountain, this area will feature dark theming with attractions, dining, and shopping. Construction is underway, with no opening date yet announced. Meanwhile, Animal Kingdom is transforming DinoLand USA into Tropical Americas, featuring a village, carousel, Indiana Jones ride, and an Encanto-themed attraction. This expansion, set to open in 2027, replaces current attractions like TriceraTop Spin, enhancing the park’s offerings with fresh experiences. These themed areas promise to enrich Disney’s storytelling and world-building, appealing to diverse visitor interests.
Disney Cruise Line and Other Park Enhancements
Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with four new ships between 2027 and 2031, offering more ocean vacation opportunities. Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened in November 2024, reimagining Critter Country with new rides and dining. Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is updating the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with Muppets theming, while Animal Kingdom replaces It’s Tough to be a Bug with Zootopia: Better Zoogether, opening in winter 2025. Epcot’s Test Track will reopen in 2025 with GM sponsorship, focusing on automation’s past, present, and future. These updates, along with new lounges and parades like Disney Starlight, ensure Disney parks and cruises remain at the forefront of family entertainment, blending innovation with beloved stories.
